FIFA and ASEAN have announced the creation of the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a new regional football tournament for Southeast Asian nations. The initiative was revealed at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, aiming to boost national team development and regional unity. The competition will be held during FIFA's international match windows to include overseas players.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn signed an agreement for the FIFA ASEAN Cup during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 27, 2025. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was present at the signing. The tournament, modeled after FIFA's Arab Cup, will feature national teams from all ASEAN member states, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste as the 11th member.
Infantino highlighted the tournament's potential, stating: “The FIFA ASEAN Cup will be a great success, strengthening national teams across Southeast Asia and supporting the growth of the sport throughout our region. It will not only elevate ASEAN football internationally but also provide a platform for the region’s best players to shine on the global stage. Through the FIFA ASEAN Cup, we are uniting countries and strengthening football’s role as a tool for peace, pride, and progress.” He added: “This will be a great addition to the regional football calendar. The FIFA ASEAN Cup will unite countries, boost national team football, and support the development of our sport across Southeast Asia.”
The event will occur during FIFA's global national team match windows, enabling teams to call up overseas talent, unlike the existing biennial ASEAN Championship, which falls outside these periods and limits player participation. This could impact the ASEAN Championship, which has a multi-year sponsorship deal with Hyundai starting in 2026, alongside partners like MSIG, Accor, and Adidas. However, the new tournament may create additional broadcast and sponsorship opportunities for the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), aiding World Cup qualification efforts amid the expanded 48-team format.
Football Association of Malaysia acting president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi called the announcement historic, noting: “This announcement carries great symbolic meaning for Malaysia’s role and commitment in strengthening regional unity and cooperation through the sport of football.” FIFA will work with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), AFF, and national associations to finalize the structure, schedule, format, and hosting details, which remain under discussion.
Australia, an AFF member, typically does not participate in regional competitions due to its higher FIFA ranking.
